Tuesday, May 28, 2013
I went biking and my head got clear
It was my day off from work. Kids were in school or day care. I decided that it's a great day to try out my new bike. I have not been on a true bike ride (without kids) for few years now. So I changed, got my water ready, cell in hand only to realize my bike does not have a water bottle holder and I have no pockets for cell phone. Sure, I could have taken a backpack, but that's not really comfortable... So, I drank as much water as I could, put the cell phone aside, and jumped on the bike (with my helmet on). No, I don't need a lecture on dehydration and what if I get into trouble and need to contact somebody. I was just set on going.
I had a beautiful ride. This bike was seriously going almost by itself (at least on the flat surface and downhill). Finally, somebody came up with the handles that are comfortable for my hands without giving me carpall tunnel pain. It was worth the expense. For those curious, it's Cannondale Quick. I can't say the same about the seat.. need to get a gel seat cover or something.
So, I was zooming on the Dutchess Rail Trail. The weather was beautiful. Windy enough to cool me off, but not to bather me too much. Sure, my legs were hurting and I got a bug in my mouth (thank goodness for sunglasses though) but I felt great. I was afraid to stop in case my legs would give in and not let me go back on the bike (after all, I did not have a cell to call for help). I ended up doing about 18 miles, non-stop in about 1.5 hrs. Yes, I did walk at the very end, but seriously, who could bike up that steep hill that leads to my house. Well, my husband would, but let's get back to my story.
During my ride, I had lots of time to think about things that are going on in my life. One of them, of course had to be my crafting business. I'm really happy where I am right now. I started it at the end of year 2012, but really, didn't define what I want to do until just recently. From that point, I really think I made big progress. But I was thinking about this blog.
I created this blog to promote my business because this is what you do. You write clever posts to attract buyers, who see you have a shop and they fall in love with your things and you make lots of sales.. Arghm.. nope.. I realized, I have nothing to write to "attract" buyers. When I was on my bike, I had a big a-ha moment. I need to STOP thinking about this blog as a tool for promoting my business. I need to start having fun with it. I'm going to write about things that are interesting to me, things that are going on in my head and are asking to be typed up.
So what if nobody reads it. If somebody finds it interesting and/or helpful or whatever, woot! woot! Let me know and you'll make my day! But my main goal is to have an outlet for the many things going on in my head, and simply writing about things I love.
When I get a chance to take a picture of me on my new bike, I'll add it to this post!
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
Get Inspired - Sea Me Blue
Can you tell I really want to go on vacation? My summer vacation to Bermuda is getting closer and closer! If you're stuck in an office like me, here's what you can do when nobody is looking...
Sit down and get comfortable... close your eyes...
(wait, read this first, and then try to remember what this says, and then do it)
Forget the deadlines.. forget the email you have to answer... picture blue... hmm... so many shades.. sea blue.. sea...
I can see the movement, the waves... the waves gently stretching onto the sand... You can feel the warmth of the sun on your face.. Shhhhh... Shhhh...
The seagulls are squawking in the distance... Shhhh.. Shhhh... The warm water is reaching your feet...
One of the seagulls is getting closer, carried by the warm wind.. Shhhh... Shhhh... It's getting closer and closer... "What? What do you want?" you say to the seagull as it squeals loudly in your ear and pokes you hard with its beak on the shoulder.
Yep, that's really your boss shaking your arm and asking you to come and see him in his office.
On second thought, don't do this at work. I'm considering marking this post "not appropriate for viewing while at work".
"Sea Me Blue" by TwistedThreadAndHook - Inspired by Studio70Seven's necklace. (wait, read this first, and then try to remember what this says, and then do it)
Forget the deadlines.. forget the email you have to answer... picture blue... hmm... so many shades.. sea blue.. sea...
I can see the movement, the waves... the waves gently stretching onto the sand... You can feel the warmth of the sun on your face.. Shhhhh... Shhhh...
The seagulls are squawking in the distance... Shhhh.. Shhhh... The warm water is reaching your feet...
One of the seagulls is getting closer, carried by the warm wind.. Shhhh... Shhhh... It's getting closer and closer... "What? What do you want?" you say to the seagull as it squeals loudly in your ear and pokes you hard with its beak on the shoulder.
Yep, that's really your boss shaking your arm and asking you to come and see him in his office.
On second thought, don't do this at work. I'm considering marking this post "not appropriate for viewing while at work".
Generated using Treasury HTML code generator by Whale Shark Websites.
My Etsy teammates are also in the "vacation" mood as they put together beautiful sea and ocean inspired collections:
Here's one from Suzanne and Melissa
"Coastal Blue" by PookieandJack (Suzanne and Melissa)
Generated using Treasury HTML code generator by Whale Shark Websites.
And another sea inspired collection from my Etsy teammate, Rosy:
"Sea inspired blues" by Rosy B
Generated using Treasury HTML code generator by Whale Shark Websites.
Sunday, April 7, 2013
My new Storenvy shop, Lu & Ed's 3-year Anniversary and giveaway!
- Love handmade? Check
- Support small business? Check
- Crazy about unique and custom made? Check and Check
That's me! I would also add to my list - passionate (or obsessed - depends on who you ask) about crafting.
And there are so many others like me. Just recently, I joined a great group of crafters that have an online shop on http://storenvy.com. While I had an online shop already, I felt I was a tiny grain of sand and no matter how different I tried to look, I was getting lost in the full beach of sand, rocks and bigger rocks. So, I decided to open a Storenvy store, Twisted Thread and Hook and I'm starting big with the help of Lu & Ed. I still have my Etsy store and will keep both stores open as each of them have some good things about them.
Lu & Ed is celebrating a 3-year anniversary of her successful Storenvy shop. I could not be more happy for her and I hope that I would be able to do the same in 3 years as well.
And what is the best way to celebrate this big accomplishments? Share it with the fans and everybody who can put a check on any or all of the bullet points at the beginning of this post.
What does that means? A HUGE giveaway!
The contest is open from 12AM EST 4/7 to 12AM CST 4/13 2013.
Go to Lu & Ed's blog to check out the details:
There are 18 prizes donated by different small business owners. They are worth over $250 :)
One of the prizes, is my purple dream catcher:
"Mon-stors are eco-friendly toy storage solutions for kids! You can hang them from a door, in the closet, or even in a car - and have your kids feed their Mon-stors toys, laundry, jackets and gloves or anything you need extra storage for!"
Custom Mollie dolls - "Mollipops, Mollie Moe Bows, and Mollie Dollies!"
"Little Green Guy features handmade plush toys, sculptures and adorable monster themed art!"
"Melli's Yarn Works features my loom knitted items! From hats, to scarves and wrist warmers as well."
"We make little something specials for your special Littles! Did you know-Monster Banks love nomming on coins and helping Littles learn counting! They're also proficient at scaring away boogeymen."
Need help creating the individual look for your shop?
"The Individuality is based on just that, Individuality. We believe that you should control the look and feel your design need presents. The best way to do this, custom designs by The Individuality geared towards your choices."
"Sew Beastly's products are handmade, ruffled accessories with sustainability in mind. Products feature my signature textured ruffle. Scraps are given a new life by repurposing them into the "Scrap Me Pretty Collection"."
"I design handmade and custom jewelry with lots of sparkle and personality. I am influenced by a variety of styles from Boho to Victorian, and often look to vintage jewelry & clothing as an inspiration."
"Impistry is the action of making goods & art using Imps as the focus. Each item that passes through the digital doors of this shop is unique, handmade, and given a 'spirit' during the creative process."
"When you're not just looking for A wand, but Your Wand. GipsonWands makes Harry Potter inspired "Magic" wands. All Wands are handmade from naturally dried locally sourced trees or salvaged lumber with a hand rubbed oil finish."
"We make Good Monster Goods: Books, prints, art, comics. For you. Since 2005."
"Handmade accessories for you & your little flower! Violet's Buds strives to be green by upcycling, repurposing, and making the most out of all our supplies while creating a unique item for you."
"Krmbal is an indie brand dedicated to eco-conscious choices & partnering with small businesses. Take back your t-shirt! We donate a portion of all sales to Kiva borrowers to help others build their small businesses."
"We strive to provide low-impact, minimal ingredient beauty, bath, and body products to dudes and dudettes around the world."
air fresheners - "We offer products that are quality products that only we would purchase ourselves. If we wouldn't buy it, you won't find it in our store. That's a promise"
"Frankensticth making one of a kind handmade storied monstas since 2003"
Handmade crochet jewelry and wall & window art. I mainly use fine thread to achieve unique, delicate results. I also make crochet rugs and mats using thick rope-great for nautical theme decor.
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